This bit of news is a nice breakthrough for rice hull earthbag building. Using a suggestion from Richard, a long time reader, I made a test bag using raschel mesh and rice hulls. I had previously ruled out using rice hulls in mesh bags, because it seemed certain that the hulls would fall through. Well, it turns out some hulls do fall through, but not many. The hulls naturally jam up against each other and only a negligible amount (say 3% or so) fall through.
“How would your life change if you never had to pay rent or interest on a mortgage again? I bet it would take a significant weight off your shoulders. It sure would for me.
After about three years of life on our vetiver thatch roof we recently replaced the thatch with micro-concrete roofing tiles (MCR). MCR tiles and metal roofing are fast and easy to install, and both work well for roofwater harvesting. I like MCR tiles because they’re more durable and look better than most metal roofing, and don’t get as noisy in rainstorms. We cut the tiles with a right angle grinder and then covered the joints with cement. This roof should last 25 years or more. Also note, the vents on top will provide even better ventilation. (They’re screened to keep birds out.)
A 48-page easy to read ebook that describes the many advantages of building your own home without the help of contractors. It explains how we’ve become financially crippled by easy credit and how the inflation of home prices has caused the housing crisis.
“A tiny house is a great way to be mortgage free and stop paying utility bills every month. The tiny house movement is also a great way to become self sufficient and live off the grid. tiny home living!”
“Greenpeace Innovation Challenge Winner. The only solar pump that fulfilled all the design criteria and won 5 awards in this worldwide contest. Suntrolley is a 1 hp portable solar water pumping system which can replace diesel irrigation pumps for small farmers. It can lift well water 50 meters.”